The ManicaPost
Freedom Mutanda Post Correspondent
IT is back to school with a difference this time around.
After nearly six months of inactivity; Grade Sevens, Form Fours and Form Sixes are now back at school determined to do well and proceed to the next level in their academic development.
Many are wondering if teachers will be able to cover up for the lost time. This is the million dollar question that parents and learners ask themselves as they whisper in their huts, suburbs and communities.
The other headache has to do with the astronomical school fees that are being charged by the schools.
One parent, Mrs Abigail Mhlanga of Chipinge, complained about the steep fees.
“Tell me where do l get $26 000 to pay for one child’s school fees? It is proving to be a really difficult task,’’ she said.
But speaking on the challenges that most parents are facing in paying school fees, Mr David Mhlanga said parents should have prepared accordingly.
“To be honest, every parent knew that children would have to return to school at some point and therefore they should have planned for that. Nevertheless, we are in a Catch-22 situation where the reality on the ground shows that most parents cannot afford to pay the school fees,” he said.
On the other hand, students are not very sure about their safety in light of Covid-19. However, Government has already availed $600 million for the procurement of personal protective equipment.
As stakeholders worry about this, examinations are getting closer with each passing day. The examining body — Zimsec — will deliver standard examination questions when the time comes. Therefore teachers and their students should put their hands on the wheel in preparation for the examinations.
Mrs Betty Sigauke, a mother of three, is of the opinion that Grade Seven students should sit for their exams next year so that they can sufficiently cover the syllabi.
“We implore on teachers and Government to find each other for the good of our children. My child was having online lessons and he would receive a lot of help from his sister. However, l feel that he needs more time to prepare for his final exams,’’ she said.
A parent who requested anonymity said school heads should tighten their belts when it comes to expenditure.
“I urge school heads to be cautious and frugal when it comes to using money. They can’t live like chief executive officers who cruise into town every now and again. School funds must be used prudently.
“This will reduce the pressure on parents. For instance, if boarding schools are to buy sugar straight from the manufacturer, they will enjoy reduced costs. However, heads are unwilling to go that extra mile for reasons best known to them. Yet parents are overburdened,” he said.
